Warning Signs of Dementia

Rather than a specific disease, “dementia” describes a broad group of symptoms, that can include memory impairment, diminished judgment, difficulty in concentrating, communication challenges, disorientation of time and place, and other symptoms. Causes of dementia besides Alzheimer’s disease, such as Vascular dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Frontotemporal Degeneration, Parkinson’s with Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury, and others. 

Have you ever walked into a room, only to forget what you came to do or retrieve – and then you went back to your starting point and remembered the purpose? Has it ever taken you a moment to recall someone’s name who you know but do not see often? Have you lost your car keys and then retraced your steps to find them? These are situations that we all experience from time to time, but they do not keep us from performing work, home, or leisure activities. It is usual for our brains to slow down a bit as we age. That fact, combined with keeping busy schedules, experiencing stress, and trying to manage several tasks at a time, it’s no wonder we are forgetful at times.

However, there are some warning signs that may point to a medical concern and not some of the forgetful moments just mentioned. Families can look at declining performance the “instrumental activities of daily living” or IADLs. These include meal preparation, laundry, paying bills, driving to familiar places, shopping, managing money and paying bills, and using a phone. Employers may start to see errors and poor judgment that are unusual for seasoned professionals. Persons may also purposely avoid social situations for fear of not being able to hold a conversation.

Approaching someone can be, as you may expect, very uncomfortable for the family, the employer, and the person with changing performance. The person having issues may feel defensive or they may not realize that there is a problem. Being honest and sensitive is the best strategy, all while asking God for the graces to do this. If there are warning signs, it is best to see a doctor who can check other causes that can be addressed and reversed, such as thyroid issues, infections, vitamin deficiency, depression, poor sleep/sleep apnea, correctable hearing or eye impairments, and other conditions. Once these causes are ruled out, the medical team can examine cognitive abilities with varying tests. A probable diagnosis of dementia, while very difficult to hear, can be a blessing to learn so that plans can be made to live a normal life as the condition progresses. If you can step back and reflect on it, dementia in its various forms is a disability in which adaptations can be made. To learn more, visit www.DementiaRosary.com.

Matthew Estrade is a Catholic, gerontologist, and author of The Peace with Dementia Rosary: Education, Intentions, Community. Learn more, find prayer cards, and post your dementia-related prayer requests at www.DementiaRosary.com.  Matthew’s email is Matt@CatholicAging.com.